The best waterfalls and swimming holes near Brisbane

Perhaps it’s the tranquillity, the sound of flowing water or Mother Nature in all her glory that makes them the perfect place to get away from it all.

Escape the beach this summer and cool off at these gorgeous waterfalls and swimming holes, all within a two-hour drive from Brisbane.

North of Brisbane

Cedar Creek – Samford

Located just outside of Samford, below Mt Glorious, are the serene rock pools of Cedar Creek. It’s a short scenic drive north-west of Brisbane which gives you a taste of the countryside with rolling green hills in every direction.

Drive along Mt Samson Road and turn left onto Cedar Creek Road. You can choose to stop at Andy Williams Park for a number of rock pools, or you can follow the creek.

There are private properties in the area though, so be mindful and respectful of the homes around you and ensure that Cedar Creek stays untouched and undistributed (just the way nature intended it).

Gardners Falls – Maleny

To get here, turn off Landsborough-Maleny Road onto Obi Obi Creek Road and drive until you reach the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Follow the path from the carpark to the main waterfall and swimming area where there are two rope swings for Tarzan wannabes.

Make sure to watch your feet around the edges of the rock pool by the shade… there are friendly eels who will nibble at your feet!

Kondalilla Falls – Montville

Be sure to wear good walking shoes as there are over 100 steps on the Kondalilla Falls Circuit! For those who aren’t too keen to take off their flip-flops, don’t fret. You can nab an absolutely gorgeous view of this beauty from the lookout above (or upside down!).

Serenity Falls – Buderim Forest Walk

This secluded oasis is a jewel in the subtropical paradise of the Sunshine Coast.

There are two access points to Serenity Falls (aka Buderim Falls). The circuit track from Quorn Close takes about 20 minutes to complete whereas the track to Harry’s Restaurant on the north side of the park can be completed in about an hour.

Booloumba Falls – Conondale National Park

Photo by @marika.loves

To access the beautiful Booloumba Falls you will need a 4WD to navigate the gravel roads and several creek crossings but, boy is it worth it.

When you arrive, venture through tall open forests on the scenic walk to the falls and take a dip in the cool waters. Want to extend your stay? Conondale National Park has camping grounds available but make sure you organise a permit beforehand.

South of Brisbane

Cedar Creek Falls – Tamborine Mountain

Admire the cascades and rock pools from the spectacular lookouts or venture down the 86 staircase to reach the swimming hole.

Being such a popular swimming hole, the car parks are limited and fill up quickly. Be mindful that this is a National Park and you should only park your car in the designated car parks to avoid any nasty fines.

Currumbin Rock Pools & Cougal Cascades – Currumbin

If you’ve spent a few days on the Gold Coast and are looking for a change of scenery, Currumbin Rock Pools is the place to go.

Travel down Currumbin Valley Road and you’ll find a series of rock pools; a peaceful spot for a swim and a picnic. Sometimes it can get crowded so if you head a bit further down to the very end of the road you’ll find Cougal Cascades.

Purling Brook Falls – Springbrook National Park

Start at the Gwongorella picnic area in Springbrook National Park and make your way down to the gorge as you pass an abundance of wildflowers in the open forest. The circuit gives you breathtaking views of Purling Brook Falls from above and below.

Hint: Be sure to walk the circuit in a clockwise direction, otherwise you’re going to be climbing heaps of stairs on the way back!

Twin Falls – Springbrook National Park

To access Twin Falls, you can choose to start the 4km circuit from Tallanbana picnic area or Canyon Lookout in an anticlockwise direction.

As you descend further into the World Heritage-listed rainforest, you will come across rocky caves and outcrops; something that makes the walk so unique. When you come face to face with Twin, you can choose to admire it from the front or feel the spray of the water as you walk around the back (paradise!).

Queen Mary Falls – Main Range National Park

Soak up the fresh country air as you embark on a road trip to the spectacular Queen Mary Falls. Make your way to Spring Creek Road until you a see a sign pointing you towards the falls. The circuit itself takes 40 minutes to complete and brings you to the creek below from the lookouts 40m above.

Author

Nina is half German, half Vietnamese and hasn't quite figured out where exactly she calls home! But one thing's for sure, she's fallen in love with the Sunshine State. She is an outdoor enthusiast, and when she's not chasing waterfalls, she's out finding an adventure of some sort or planning her next trip.